Sixteen hundred years ago Bishop Augustine of Hippo confessed “our hearts are restless until they find rest in Thee.” These deep longings can only be satiated by an intimate relationship—formed in prayer—with the One who formed us.

This course offers a blueprint for building an inner sanctuary, a resting place. Daily Prayer: A Modern Guide to Ancient Practices is a sacred resource for those wanting to establish a rich, dynamic prayer life. With the wisdom that comes from forty years of teaching the Bible and praying with women, men, and children, Joy Hilley offers practical help and insight into the daily prayer method she uses—one that has sustained her and others for years. Drawing from ancient Hebrew texts, the words of Jesus, early Church writings and practices, and The Book of Common Prayer, you are invited to enter into rhythms of worship and prayer infused by the Spirit.

Class participants will be given an opportunity to create their own piece of art as a spiritual exercise, an act of personal devotion. No art skill or experience is necessary and art materials are provided.

For this day of prayer:

You will want to bring the book, Daily Prayer: A Modern Guide to Ancient Practices, which can be purchased here
Bring a packed lunch
Materials for the prayer practice will be provided

About Presenter

Joy Fitzgerald Hilley holds a master’s degree from Asbury Theological Seminary and a bachelor’s from the University of Kentucky. She and her husband, Joe, are the parents of two young adults—a professional ballerina and a film photography student. They have made Houston their home since 2011. She is a full-time artist with a studio in The Silos, which is located on the Sawyer Yards campus in the heart of Houston’s art district. Her abstract expressionist work examines the interplay between faith and art, particularly the mysteries of the Spirit.

In addition to her art career, Joy authored Daily Prayer: A Modern Guide to Ancient Practices and created the accompanying course. She is an active member of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church and the Order of St. Luke, an international healing prayer ministry through which she is certified as a prayer minister and teacher. Joy often speaks about the intersection of faith and art, living in the Spirit, and seeking beauty. As a consultant, she also provides art direction to non-profit organizations. Joy is an avid reader, edits books and manuscripts, and is fully committed to using the Oxford comma. Her idea of a perfect evening is having friends and family gather at her home for dinner and then linger at the table for hours—sharing stories and laughing until their sides hurt